The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of match standard
and referee experience on the objective and subjective workload of referees
during English Premier League and Football League soccer matches. We also examined
the relationship between heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion
(RPE) for assessing match intensity in soccer referees. Heart rate responses were
recorded using short-range telemetry and RPE scores were collected using a 10-
point scale. Analysis revealed a significant relationship between mean match HR and
match RPE scores (r = 0.485, p < 0.05, n = 18). There were significant differences in
match HR (Premier League 83.6±2.6% maximal HR (HRmax) versus Football League
81.5±2.2%HRmax, p < 0.05) and match RPE scores (Premier League 7.8±0.8 versus
Football League 6.9±0.8, p < 0.05) between standards of competition. Referee
experience had no effect on match HR and RPE responses to Premier League and
Football League matches. The results of the present study demonstrate the validity
of using HR and RPE as a measure of global match intensity in soccer referees.
Referee experience had no effect on the referees’ objective and subjective match
workload assessments, whereas match intensity was correlated to competition standard.
These findings have implications for fitness preparation and evaluation in
soccer referees. When progressing to a higher level of competition, referees should
ensure that appropriate levels of fitness are developed in order to enable them to
cope with an increase in physical match demands.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of match standard
and referee experience on the objective and subjective workload of referees
during English Premier League and Football League soccer matches. We also examined
the relationship between heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion
(RPE) for assessing match intensity in soccer referees. Heart rate responses were
recorded using short-range telemetry and RPE scores were collected using a 10-
point scale. Analysis revealed a significant relationship between mean match HR and
match RPE scores (r = 0.485, p < 0.05, n = 18). There were significant differences in
match HR (Premier League 83.6±2.6% maximal HR (HRmax) versus Football League
81.5±2.2%HRmax, p < 0.05) and match RPE scores (Premier League 7.8±0.8 versus
Football League 6.9±0.8, p < 0.05) between standards of competition. Referee
experience had no effect on match HR and RPE responses to Premier League and
Football League matches. The results of the present study demonstrate the validity
of using HR and RPE as a measure of global match intensity in soccer referees.
Referee experience had no effect on the referees’ objective and subjective match
workload assessments, whereas match intensity was correlated to competition standard.
These findings have implications for fitness preparation and evaluation in
soccer referees. When progressing to a higher level of competition, referees should
ensure that appropriate levels of fitness are developed in order to enable them to
cope with an increase in physical match demands.